Tag: rust

Report: NHTSA opens investigation into Jeep Liberty over rust-related suspension failures

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep

2005 jeep liberty

Does the Jeep Liberty have an addiction to rust? Back in 2003, approximately 326,000 2002-2003 Liberty SUVs were recalled because their lower control arm ball joints could corrode excessively. Just three years later in 2006, the issue popped up again, which prompted a recall of 826,000 potentially rust-happy 2002-2006 Jeep models. Another three years passed when, in 2009, Chrysler sent out a recall notice to 42,469 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty owners located in cold-weather states. This time, the problem was related to the upper ball joints.

Now it seems the Jeep Liberty is ready to jump the gun on its next every-three-years recall because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating 370,000 vehicles… for the same issue. According to The Detroit News, NHTSA has opened up an investigation that involves 2002-2005 Jeep Liberty sport utility vehicles. It’s still just an investigation at this point, but given the round-eyed CUV’s track record, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more on this situation.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: NHTSA opens investigation into Jeep Liberty over rust-related suspension failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: NHTSA getting serious about Ford Windstar axle rust probe

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Ford

Ford Windstar

The Ford Windstar is already being examined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The rear axles were the initial target of investigation but now the review has widened due to claims of the Windstar’s front subframe also being prone to corrosion. So far, NHTSA says it has logged 346 complaints directly related to Ford Windstar engine cradles cracking or showing excessive rust and corrosion, which has led to three reported accidents.

Ford is cooperating with NHTSA with regards to the subframe investigation and it’s also stated that replacement rear axles will be available in the beginning of 2011. Ford has issued recalls for approximately 492,650 Windstars due to the problems surrounding the axle. The subframe problem is related to the same model year Windstar minivans that had the axle rust problem, which were produced from 1998 to 2003.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: NHTSA getting serious about Ford Windstar axle rust probe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Say It Ain’t So: Bentley issues recall over retractable hood ornament rust

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Arnage Flying B Hood ornament

Bentley Flying B – Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the brutal truths of the mechanical world is that rust fears no machine. Even the priciest of metal is susceptible to the ill effects of iron-oxide, and it looks like Bentley has found that out firsthand. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has just issued a recall for Arnage, Azure and Brooklands models manufactured between 2007 and 2009. The problem? The retractable ‘Flying B’ on the hood may corrode to the point that it doesn’t retract in the event of a crash. NHTSA says that this could be dangerous for pedestrians for obvious reasons.

Still, if you have to go, it could be worse than getting kabobbed on a Bentley, right?

A total of 596 units are affected by the recall (the retractable Flying B is an optional accessory) and Bentley says that it will replace the faulty mechanism free of charge. The work is set to commence on or around September 27, and owners can call Bentley directly for more information. Hit the jump for a look at the press release.

Gallery: Bentley Arnage Final Series

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Say It Ain’t So: Bentley issues recall over retractable hood ornament rust originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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